mineral

Hematite (Iron Ore)

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Steel-gray to reddish-brown; Luster: Metallic to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 4.9-5.3

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray to reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to dull

Identified June 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Steel-gray to reddish-brown; Luster: Metallic to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 4.9-5.3

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in banded iron formations via precipitation in ancient shallow seas, often dating back over 2.4 billion years (Proterozoic Eon).

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron and steel; used as a polishing compound (jeweler's rouge), pigment for paints, and in heavy media separation.

Geological facts

Hematite is responsible for the red color of many rocks and even the surface of Mars. It is significantly denser than common rocks like granite or limestone.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic cherry-red streak when rubbed against a porcelain plate; look for high density and reddish-brown weathering. Found in massive deposits like the Mesabi Range in Minnesota and the Pilbara region in Australia.